Cloud Garden Conservatory

Tucked away on Richmond Street, just west of Yonge, is one of Toronto’s hidden gems: the Cloud Garden Conservatory. It’s a tiny little garden encased in a glass house, and once inside, you feel instantly transported to the tropics.

This is one of my favourite places to kill time when I’m in the downtown core, but if you’re not specifically looking for it, it can be easy to walk right past, which probably explains why it’s never really crowded. Set on the north-eastern corner of the small parkette that runs between Richmond and Temperance, the glass house is often concealed by trees. That, combined with the fact that the glass walls don’t descend to street level, make it easy to walk by and miss it. But for those who are determined, it’s a wonderful spot to kill an hour.

Inside, there are palms and ferns and creeping vines, and a rich, earthy smell. Sounds are muted - depending on where you sit the dominant noise might be water hissing through pipes, or a fan blade rhythmically knocking a palm leaf. If you can find a seat – they’re very limited – it’s a very relaxing place to read a few pages, or just lose yourself for a bit. The high humidity usually means that the windows are clouded with condensation, blurring your view of the real world outside. But be warned – it also means you’re going to get dripped on occasionally. The only things missing are birds and monkeys. I wonder if the City would consider adding a soundtrack if I wrote to them?

The Cloud Garden Conservatory is run by Toronto Parks and Recreation and is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Wheelchair access is weather permitting.